So, in general, trying to dramatically increase the intelligence of species who lack our specific complement of social instincts and values seems like an astoundingly, overwhelmingly Bad Idea. The responsibilities to whatever it is that you wind up creating are overwhelming, as is the danger, especially if they can reproduce independently. It's seriously just a horrible, dangerous, irresponsible idea.
Does anyone have recommendations of good things to read on the ethics of animal cognitive enhancement? By this I mean applying various methods of human cognitive enhancement (pharmacological, technological, etc) to animals such as the Great Apes. I've also heard this referred to as 'up-lifting' an animal.
I'm looking for articles, books, lectures - anything really. Obviously one can just google this but I find getting recommendations from others a better bet. I think this may be a useful resource for other people interested in the same topic. Interesting issues might include:
- Possible obligations to enhance
- Possible negative consequences
- Possible side-effects (such as radically different perspective)